Position SummaryThe Quality Systems Manager supports and enhances the organization's Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure compliance, operational effectiveness, and continuous improvement. This role is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the quality manual and associated procedures, overseeing the corrective action (PCAR) system, leading internal and external audits, and ensuring organizational adherence to applicable industry standards. The position also drives QMS training initiatives and promotes a culture of quality throughout the organization.
Key Responsibilities- Develop, implement, and maintain robust quality control processes, including inspection protocols, testing procedures, and documentation to meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements.
- Lead internal and supplier audits to ensure adherence to aerospace standards, customer contracts, and government regulations; prepare detailed reports and corrective action plans.
- Manage the resolution of non-conformances, customer complaints, and vendor quality issues, collaborating cross-functionally to implement root-cause analysis.
- Oversee a small quality team providing training, mentoring, and performance guidance while jumping in to support daily operations as needed.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, such as Lean Six Sigma projects, to enhance process efficiency, reduce defects, and optimize scrap rates in our CNC machining and finishing operations.
- Manage QMS documentation: procedures, work instructions, and calibration records, ensuring readiness for certification audits and customer reviews.
- Interface directly with key clients (e.g., Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, BAE) to review quality metrics, discuss requirements, and facilitate engineering reviews and first-article inspections (FAIs).
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) like first-pass yield, and audit findings, reporting trends to leadership with actionable recommendations.
- Perform hands-on inspections as needed using tools like CMMs, micrometers, and optical comparators to verify dimensional accuracy and surface finishes.
- Ensure a safe and compliant work environment by enforcing quality-related safety protocols and staying current on industry best practices.
Qualifications - Education & Experience- Bachelor's degree in a technical field required (High school diploma with a minimum of nine years of quality-related experience may be considered in lieu of degree).
- Minimum three years of quality engineering experience in a fabrication and machining environment (Eight years required if substituting education requirement).
- Demonstrated experience working with codes, standards, specifications, inspection processes, and NDE.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), statistical process control (SPC), and quality software (e.g., PC-DMIS, Minitab, etc.).
- Knowledge of Lockheed Martin's Exostar platform for supplier collaboration, secure data exchange, and compliance management, preferred.
- Familiarity with Lockheed Martin's supplier quality specifications, including Quality Requirements Clauses, Control Specifications, and corrective action processes, preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Competencies- Working knowledge of NQA-1, ISO 9000, and AS9100 standards.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to extract and apply quality requirements from complex documentation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to develop procedures, work instructions, and quality documentation.
- Hands-On Abilities: Comfortable working in a shop floor environment, operating inspection equipment, and troubleshooting production issues in real-time.
- Leadership: a change agent, with ability to motivate others while maintaining a collaborative, Quality First results-oriented approach.
- Effective leadership and presentation skills for training and audit facilitation.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage professionally at all organizational levels.
Supervisory ResponsibilitiesYes
DisclaimerThis job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.
